Oman, Netherlands JDA to create first liquid hydrogen corridor
Muscat: As part of the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Sultanate of Oman signed a landmark Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to establish the world's first commercial-scale liquid hydrogen corridor linking Oman to Europe.
The project will enable the export of RFNBO-compliant liquid hydrogen from the Port of Duqm in Oman to the Port of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and the Port of Duisburg in Germany.
The agreement brings together eleven entities from Oman, the Netherlands, and Germany, including Hydrom, Port of Duqm, Port of Duisport, EnBW, Tata Steel, Advanced Methanol Amsterdam, Hynetwork Services, and other key stakeholders.
This agreement is a pivotal step in cementing Oman's position as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export, as well as a strategic partner in enhancing global energy security.
Once fully developed, the corridor will serve as a direct export route for liquefied hydrogen compliant with the EU's Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) standards - from the Port of Duqm to the Port of Amsterdam, and onward to strategic logistics centres in Germany, including the Port of Duisburg, for further distribution to other European markets.
Under the agreement, Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), as the national coordinator for implementing Oman's green hydrogen strategy, will oversee production alignment with national plans and ensure the project's integration with the sector's infrastructure and overarching strategy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Oman's liquid H2 corridor a model for global hydrogen trade
MUSCAT, JUNE 2 A landmark agreement signed recently by Oman to establish the world's first trade corridor for liquid hydrogen (H2), marks a pivotal step in consolidating the Sultanate's position as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. This was the central message of a recent article by Attaqa, a Washington-based Arabic-language platform dedicated to energy news and analysis. Titled "Exporting Liquefied Hydrogen Represents a Qualitative Leap for Oman and a Promising Opportunity for Middle East Countries", the article summarizes the views of several international energy experts who see the agreement as a model for global hydrogen trade. The proposed Liquid Hydrogen Corridor will connect the Port of Duqm in Oman with the Port of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, enabling the transport of liquid hydrogen deeper into Europe via logistics hubs in Germany and beyond. Key players in this groundbreaking initiative include Hydrom—the master planner of Oman's green hydrogen sector—and OQ, the Sultanate's integrated global energy group. Oman's leadership in this transformative venture has earned international praise. Salah Mahdi, Global Director of Hydrogen at Chart Industries, a major player in hydrogen liquefaction and transport technologies, described the project as a "qualitative leap" that reflects a forward-thinking vision combining ambition and pragmatism. By taking a pioneering role in this initiative, Oman is demonstrating its intent to go beyond exploring hydrogen potential and instead develop a large-scale, integrated value chain. The country is leveraging not only its abundant renewable energy resources and strategic geographic location but also its growing partnerships with European nations, he said. 'If this project is implemented well—and initial signs are promising—this corridor could become a global model for intercontinental hydrogen trade,' Mahdi told Attaqa. He called Oman's decision to adopt liquid hydrogen a 'strategic choice,' noting that liquefied hydrogen, like LNG, can be transported in bulk over long distances. Mahdi highlighted the project's integrated system, which includes large-scale hydrogen production, advanced liquefaction, refrigerated container shipping, and regasification facilities in Europe. Such an ecosystem, he said, could serve as a clean energy artery linking the Middle East with Europe. Chart Industries, he said, is currently collaborating with a number of developers in the MENA region to produce and liquefy hydrogen locally for eventual export to Europe. He noted in this regard that, as a pioneer in this field, Oman would set standards and establish infrastructure models for other Arab countries to emulate. Matt Moran, Managing Director of Moran Innovation LLC, a leading player in hydrogen liquefaction, emphasized Oman's early leadership in the liquefied hydrogen sector. He cited the nation's abundant solar potential, low-cost land, trained workforce, existing gas infrastructure, and access to seawater and methane as significant advantages. He also stressed the importance of learning from other hydrogen export projects, such as Australia's shipments to Japan, and highlighted Germany and the Netherlands as natural trade partners due to their strong demand, infrastructure, and LNG ties. Frank Wouters, Chair of the Hydrogen Alliance for the Middle East and North Africa, noted that while liquefied hydrogen is gaining momentum, it's one of several viable transport methods—others include ammonia or liquid organic hydrogen carriers. Interest in liquefied hydrogen led to the recent creation of the Dii Liquid Hydrogen Taskforce (DLHTF) by Dii Desert Energy, a leading international public-private network focusing on green hydrogen. Wouters, who leads the taskforce, said its mission is to clarify the benefits and challenges of this emerging energy carrier.
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Oman Vision 2040 is a blueprint for sustainable growth: World Bank
From digital corridors to investment pipelines, Oman Vision 2040 is transforming the present for a stronger future, and symbolizes yet another chapter of strategic evolution that has characterized the country from prehistoric Majan to modern Oman, said the World Bank in its blogs. "Developed through extensive consultations with citizens, Vision 2040 enshrines a diversified and resilient economy less reliant on oil while fostering a globally integrated and prosperous society. What began under the leadership of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, with the careful planning of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, is a roadmap charting how Oman can adapt to changing economic conditions, shifting culture, and disrupting technology to steer Oman toward economic diversification, sustainability, and global competitiveness. Oman's steady progress under Vision 2040 offers a model for other emerging economies navigating uncertainty through long-term planning. It further guides Oman's increased global engagement and partnership with organizations like the World Bank Group," the blog said. Oman and the World Bank Group have enjoyed an active partnership for decades. This has led to working together on a range of areas aligned to Vision 2040, from national development plans and budget system modernization to transport and fisheries. A key focus right now is strengthening the investment climate to support private sector-led growth and job creation. The World Bank is bringing global knowledge and advice on best practices in business environment reforms tailored to the Omani context. IFC, the Bank Group's private sector arm, recently announced new investments to bolster the country's sustainable finance market and empower the private sector. MIGA, home of the World Bank Group Guarantee Platform, secured $1.2 billion in commercial financing of the infrastructure works for the Duqm Special Economic Zone. Central to Oman Vision 2040 is the imperative of economic diversification and building a knowledge, technology-driven economy. In practice, this means investing in digital infrastructure, encouraging R&D, and nurturing new industries. Major regulatory reforms have been rolled out to catalyze private-sector growth and foreign investment. For example, a new Foreign Capital Investment Law took effect in 2020, removing minimum capital requirements and allowing 100% foreign ownership in many sectors. Attracting foreign direct investment and strengthening the private sector are key components of the Vision, and these reforms unlock those opportunities. Oman is also leveraging its strategic geography to become a logistics and trade hub. Positioned outside the Strait of Hormuz on major global trade routes, it has prioritized modernizing ports, free zones, and airports. The development of Duqm – a vast special economic zone with a deep-sea port – and upgrades at Salalah and Sohar ports exemplify this push. Such investments aim to streamline the flow of goods and make Oman a vital link in global supply chains. Already, early results of the economic transformation are visible: non-oil sectors like construction, manufacturing, and transport are growing quickly. Maintaining this momentum will require sustained reform, and Oman's multi-pronged approach – from startup incubators to industrial free zones – is steadily transforming the economy. Sustainable development is an overarching principle, and Oman's fisheries sector is a standout success story for this agenda. Fisheries have evolved from a traditional, artisanal industry into a technology-enabled sector that contributes to diversification. The government, with World Bank support, crafted a Fisheries and Aquaculture Vision to create a profitable world-class sector that is ecologically sustainable and a net contributor to Oman's economy. The innovation shown in the Omani sustainable fisheries sector is yielding impressive results. The sector is expanding at near double-digit rates, with a recorded 7.5 percent sectoral growth in the first three quarters of 2024. This progress reinforces the country's ambition for economic diversification by setting a high bar, with the sector aiming to reach 10 percent annual growth and contribute 2 percent to the national GDP. Developing human capital is another key element of Oman's vision. A skilled, educated populace is the bedrock of competitiveness. Educational reforms are underway to align curricula with future labor market needs and improve quality at all levels. Oman's ambition includes ranking among the top 20 countries in global education indices by 2030, and top 10 by 2040. Investments in schools and universities over the past decades have dramatically expanded access. Now the focus is on boosting outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and math to nurture a knowledge economy. Equally important, Oman is fostering a culture of research and entrepreneurship. Through its Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, new programs are funding research and the commercialization of ideas. Innovation parks and incubators have been launched in partnership with the private sector to mentor startups and turn student projects into marketable products. Aspiring young entrepreneurs receive support via financing initiatives and training programs, often co-sponsored by government and industry. Public-private partnerships are helping build this innovation ecosystem – for example, technology companies are collaborating with Omani colleges on coding academies, and energy firms are investing in technical training centers. These efforts are bearing fruit: a burgeoning startup scene is evident in Muscat, and the number of Omani tech SMEs is on the rise. In parallel, Oman has worked to make its labor market more flexible and dynamic, implementing new labor policies in 2023–24, adding more benefits for women, and encouraging private-sector hiring of Omanis. With 64% of the population under 30, all these measures aim to harness Oman's demographic dividend by equipping its youth with the skills and opportunities to innovate. To ensure the successful realization of Oman Vision 2040, a specialized entity—the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit—was established by Royal Decree 100/2020. Reporting directly to the Council of Ministers, the Unit plays a central role in monitoring the progress of the vision, facilitating coordination across sectors, addressing challenges, and providing strategic support to align efforts with the national vision. Looking forward to the next 15 years, there will be continued opportunities as well as challenges in realizing the vision. Successful implementation requires continued commitment, adaptability, and engagement with global partners. Oman's journey towards realizing its 2040 vision can serve as a valuable case study for other countries navigating uncertainties and striving for economic diversification, sustainability, and global integration.
Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
Iran President hails HM's role in regional peace
MUSCAT: Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed his deep gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for his role in supporting peace efforts in the region, and his valuable efforts in mediating between Iran and the United States, with the aim of achieving a satisfactory and just agreement that is respected by both sides and meets their aspirations. In an exclusive interview with Oman News Agency and Oman TV, Dr Masoud said that bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran are old and long-standing, and that they share common bonds. He described his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik as 'positive and constructive.' The President emphasised that his official visit to the Sultanate of Oman reviewed aspects of joint cooperation and developments in the region and the world, noting that his country's policy is based on establishing strong relations and cooperation with various neighbouring countries. He added that the visit witnessed meetings between officials from both sides, and the signing of a number of agreements, memoranda of understanding and executive programmes in various fields, including health, energy, renewable energy, economics and trade. He emphasised the need to move forward with implementing what was agreed upon on the ground. The President said: "The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sultanate of Oman are in advanced stages of consultation and coordination at the political and economic levels on many regional and international issues through joint meetings and gatherings. They share common and convergent positions on issues of concern to the region, foremost among the Palestinian issue. There is coordination to overcome some of the challenges resulting from the sanctions imposed on Tehran and resolve them through air and maritime cooperation, and to increase the volume of trade exchange between the two friendly countries to more than $20 billion." He pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman will be a hub for the exchange and export of goods and commodities between the two friendly countries, and through them to all countries in the region, to various countries in Central Asia, and from Oman to African countries, to achieve cooperation and partnership with all. Regarding reaching a fair agreement in the nuclear talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, the President noted that international laws are the just and equitable conditions, as any country can conduct scientific and specialised research related to uranium enrichment and benefit from the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. He emphasised that his country does not seek to possess nuclear weapons at all, but rather to benefit from enrichment in the fields of medicine, energy and economy. He called on the international community to assume its responsibilities in stopping the war of extermination and massacres committed by the Israeli occupation army against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, which has been under siege for nearly two years. - ONA
